Confessions of an English Opium Eater

Confessions of an English Opium Eater Glossary

amanuensis

A literary assistant who takes dictation, copies manuscripts, and sometimes does research

ambrosia

The food of the gods, said to be extremely delicious

antediluvian

Extremely old-fashioned

archididascalus

Headmaster

balustrade

A railing supported by vertical columns called balusters

casuistry

The use of clever logic to circumvent moral questions

centurion

A commander of a Roman military unit

demireps

Women who are promiscuous or otherwise of dubious reputation

dropsical

Of or related to dropsy, a condition in which a body part (or the whole body) becomes bloated with water

emolument

Wages or earnings from a job

frieze

A long, thin horizontal painting that most often appears at the top of a wall adjacent to the ceiling

garrulity

Talkativeness

halcyon

An idyllic and peaceful period of time

ingenuous

In earnest

noviciate

Traditionally, the first years of being a nun or a monk in which one learns the rules and practices of the order. De Quincey uses the term to refer to both his early years in London and his early days of opium use.

panacea

A substance that can cure all problems

pandiculation

Stretching and yawning

rime

Frost

tintinnabulous

Of or pertaining to bell-ringing

umbrage

Irritation or offense